The security landscape in Burkina Faso is undergoing a strategic shift. Since February 26, 2026 , Colonel Issa Yaguibou has officially been the new Chief of Staff of the National Gendarmerie. His appointment was formalized by a presidential decree signed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, marking the end of Colonel Kouagri Natama's command.

An expert in command and strategy

With 27 years of service in the National Armed Forces, Colonel Yaguibou is no stranger to decision-making circles. His rise to the top of the gendarmerie is based on solid and diverse experience:

1. Strategic Deputy: He had held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Gendarmerie since 2024.
2. Pillar of security: In parallel, he managed the operations of the Ministry of Security.
3. Management of sensitive sites: Most recently, he had been entrusted with the security of Ouagadougou airport and the airbase.
4. Territorial roots: He successively led the 2nd Legion (Bobo-Dioulasso) then the 3rd Gendarmerie Legion.

A field officer in contact with the troops

Colonel Yaguibou is particularly distinguished by his constant presence in the field . Far from his offices in the capital, he regularly traveled to the areas most exposed to terrorism to bolster troop morale.

"He has increased his field visits to galvanize the deployed units," reports the media outlet Lefaso .

From Markoye to Mangodara , passing through the critical areas of Barani and Toéni in Sourou, the new strongman of the gendarmerie possesses an intimate knowledge of the geographical and tactical reality of the conflict.

The challenges of a new command

In succeeding Colonel Natama, Issa Yaguibou inherits a frontline institution. The National Gendarmerie is a pivotal player in the reconquest of the territory, acting in concert with other branches of the army, particularly in the devastated regions of the Sahel and the East.

His profile as a "field commander" suggests a management style focused on operational responsiveness and enhanced coordination between elite units and overall defense forces.